Marinated Flank Steak with Horseradish Sauce

Summer Grilling Perfection: Marinated Flank Steak

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a juicy, flavorful flank steak? This marinated flank steak recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to become a staple at your summer gatherings. The marinade, a delightful blend of soy sauce, white wine, rosemary, and garlic, infuses the steak with incredible depth of flavor, while the horseradish sauce adds a tangy kick that perfectly complements the richness of the meat.

I love how versatile this recipe is. It's perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, an elegant outdoor party, or even a romantic meal for two. The prep time is minimal, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests, and the grilling process is quick and easy, even for beginner grill masters. And, let's be honest, the aroma of sizzling steak on the barbecue is enough to make anyone's mouth water.

Beyond the steak itself, I’ve found the perfect accompaniments to elevate this dish. I always serve it with a vibrant corn and tomato salad, which adds a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the steak. Crusty rolls are a must-have for soaking up all those delicious juices, and a crisp, dry red wine, like a Zinfandel or Merlot, is the ideal pairing. To finish off the meal, I like to treat myself and my guests to a batch of homemade brownies – the perfect sweet ending to a savory feast.

The Magic of Marinades: The success of this recipe lies in the overnight marinade. The flavors have ample time to penetrate the steak, resulting in a tender and intensely flavorful final product. I always make sure to turn the steak occasionally during the marinating process to ensure even flavor distribution.

Grilling Tips for Success: Achieving the perfect grill marks and doneness is key. I like to preheat my grill to high heat for that beautiful sear. Remember to let the steak rest for at least 15 minutes after grilling; this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. And don't forget to baste the steak with the marinade during grilling – this adds extra flavor and moisture.

Horseradish Sauce – A Zesty Twist: The horseradish sauce is incredibly simple to make yet adds a delicious zing that cuts through the richness of the steak. A simple mix of sour cream, prepared horseradish, and a generous amount of black pepper, it's a flavor bomb that will leave you wanting more. I recommend preparing this sauce a day ahead to let the flavors meld together nicely.

Serving Suggestions: This marinated flank steak is a culinary chameleon, adaptable to a variety of serving styles and occasions. It's equally delicious served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or even a casual lunch. The romaine leaves provide a beautiful presentation, but you can also serve the sliced steak on a bed of your favorite salad greens.

Beyond the Barbecue: While this recipe is perfect for the grill, you can also prepare the steak in a skillet or oven if you don’t have access to a barbecue. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. A meat thermometer is your best friend in achieving the perfect result.

A Recipe for Memories: More than just a recipe, this marinated flank steak is a recipe for creating lasting memories. The simple act of grilling together, the laughter and conversations shared around the barbecue, and the joy of savoring delicious food with loved ones – these are the things that make summer truly special. So, fire up the grill, gather your family and friends, and let the grilling begin!

This recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It's a reminder that even the simplest of dishes can be elevated to a culinary masterpiece with a little attention to detail and a touch of love.

Enjoy the deliciousness!

Step-by-step

• FOR STEAK: Combine first 6 ingredients in glass baking dish. Add steak and turn to coat. Cover and marinate overnight, turning occasionally.
• FOR SAUCE: Mix first 3 ingredients in small bowl. Season with generous amount of pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Prepare barbecue (high heat). Drain steak. Pour marinade into small saucepan and boil 1 minute. Season steak with generous amount of pepper.
• Grill to desired doneness, basting occasionally with marinade, about 6 minutes per side for rare.
• Transfer steak to plate and let stand at least 15 minutes. (Can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead.)
• Cut steak across grain into thin diagonal slices.
• Line platter with romaine leaves. Top with steak.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with horseradish sauce.